Power supply regulator with digital control

ABSTRACT

An integrated circuit and method in an integrated circuit for providing electrical power utilizing digital power regulation. Various aspects of the present invention provide an integrated circuit comprising a power supply module that outputs electrical power at an output voltage level. An error determination module may receive a power supply reference signal and a signal indicative of the output voltage level and output a power supply error signal. A digital controller module may receive the power supply error signal, digitally process the power supply error signal, and output a power supply control signal. A power output-monitoring module may monitor the electrical power output from the power supply module and output the signal indicative of the output voltage level. The power supply module may receive the power supply control signal and output the electrical power based, at least in part, on the power supply control signal.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS/INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

This patent application is related to and claims priority fromprovisional patent application Ser. No. 60/583,997 filed Jun. 29, 2004,and titled “POWER SUPPLY REGULATOR WITH DIGITAL CONTROL,” the contentsof which are hereby incorporated herein by reference in their entirety.

FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

[Not Applicable]

SEQUENCE LISTING

[Not Applicable]

MICROFICHE/COPYRIGHT REFERENCE

[Not Applicable]

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Electrical circuits generally receive electrical power from power supplycircuitry. Such power supply circuitry may consist of a variety ofactive and/or passive electrical components. Such power supplycircuitry, or portions thereof, may also reside in an integratedcircuit.

In power supply circuitry, power supply regulators generally attempt toprovide a stable source of electrical power. Such power supplyregulators typically utilize analog control loops, which are implementedwith various analog power regulation components.

In many electrical circuits, integrated circuit and/or circuit boardspace constraints are relatively tight. Typical power supply integratedcircuits inefficiently utilize circuit and/or circuit board space.

Further limitations and disadvantages of conventional and traditionalapproaches will become apparent to one of skill in the art, throughcomparison of such systems with the present invention as set forth inthe remainder of the present application with reference to the drawings.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

Various aspects of the present invention provide an integrated circuitand a method in an integrated circuit for providing electrical powerutilizing digital power regulation, substantially as shown in and/ordescribed in connection with at least one of the figures, as set forthmore completely in the claims. These and other advantages, aspects andnovel features of the present invention, as well as details ofillustrative aspects thereof, will be more fully understood from thefollowing description and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a block diagram comprising portions of an exemplary powersupply integrated circuit, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram comprising portions of an exemplary powersupply integrated circuit, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent invention.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electrical circuit comprising anexemplary power supply integrated circuit, in accordance with variousaspects of the present invention.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method for providing electrical power inan integrated circuit, in accordance with various aspects of the presentinvention.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method for providing electrical power inan integrated circuit, in accordance with various aspects of the presentinvention.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram comprising portions of an exemplary powersupply integrated circuit, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

FIG. 1 is a block diagram comprising portions of an exemplary powersupply integrated circuit 100, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent invention. The exemplary circuit 100 comprises an errordetermination module 110, a digital controller module 120, a powersupply module 130 and a power output-monitoring module 140.

The error determination module 110 may receive a power supply referencesignal 111. The power supply reference signal 111 (or command signal)may comprise any of a variety of characteristics and be generated by anyof a variety of sources. The power supply reference signal 111 may, forexample and without limitation, comprise a voltage and/or current levelreference. The power supply reference signal 111 may generally comprisea reference signal related to any of a large variety of electrical powercharacteristics. The power supply reference signal 111 may, for example,be fixed or variable. Also for example, the power supply referencesignal 111 may be analog or digital. Further for example, the powersupply reference signal 111 may be an absolute or relative reference.

The power supply reference signal 111 may, for example, be generated bya source external to the power supply integrated circuit 100 or may begenerated by a source internal to the power supply integrated circuit100. The power supply reference signal 111 may, for example, begenerated by a constant-signal generating source or may, for example, begenerated by a variable-signal generating source (e.g., based on presentoperating conditions or needs). Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of a particular power supply reference signal or sourcethereof.

The error determination module 110 may also receive a signal indicativeof output power level 145. For example, the error determination module110 may receive the signal indicative of output power level 145 from thepower output-monitoring module 140, which will be discussed in moredetail later. The signal indicative of output power level 145 maycomprise information indicative of a level of electrical power (e.g., avoltage level or current level) that is output from the power supplyintegrated circuit.

The error determination module 110 may output a power supply errorsignal 115. The power supply error signal 115 may, for example, be basedat least in part on the received power supply reference signal 111 andthe signal indicative of output power level 145. For example and withoutlimitation, the error determination module 110 may comprise anintegrator circuit (e.g., analog or digital) that integrates thedifference between the power supply reference signal 111 and the signalindicative of the output power level 145. In such an exemplary scenario,the power supply error signal 115 may be based, at least in part, on theoutput of such an integrator circuit.

Also for example, the error determination module 110 may comprisemultiplication circuitry and/or differential circuitry with which toprocess the difference between the power supply reference signal 111 andthe signal indicative of the output power level 145. In an exemplaryscenario, the power supply error signal 115 may be based, at least inpart, on proportional-integral-differential (“PID”) processing of thepower supply reference signal 111 and the signal indicative of theoutput power level 145.

The error determination module 110 may also comprise circuitry toconvert between analog and digital signals. For example, the errordetermination module 110 may comprise an analog-to-digital converter(e.g., a flash). In an exemplary scenario where the error determinationmodule 110 comprises an analog integrator circuit that outputs an analogerror signal indicative of integrated difference, the errordetermination module 110 may also comprise an A/D converter thatconverts the analog error signal output from the analog integratorcircuit to a digital signal. Continuing the exemplary scenario, the A/Dconverter may output the power supply error signal 115 in digital form.

In general, the error determination module 110 may comprise any of avariety of signal processing circuitry with which to generate the powersupply error signal 115. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects ofthe present invention should not be limited by characteristics ofparticular error determination circuitry.

The exemplary circuit 100 may comprise a digital controller module 120.The digital controller module 120 may, for example, be communicativelycoupled to the error determination module 110. For example, the digitalcontroller module 120 may receive the power supply error signal 115output from the error determination module 110 and digitally process thepower supply error signal 115 to generate a power supply control signal125.

The digital controller module 120 may, for example, comprise a digitalfilter that processes the power supply error signal 115 or a relatedsignal. The digital filter may, for example, comprise any of a varietyof digital filters (e.g., a finite impulse response “FIR” filter or aninfinite impulse response “IIR” filter, such as, for example, anintegrator). Such an exemplary digital filter may be implemented in anyof a variety of manners, including software, hardware or a combinationthereof.

The digital controller module 120 may also, for example, comprise asigma delta module. A sigma delta module may, for example, process aninput signal characterized by a first number of digital bits and outputan output signal that is representative of the input signal, where theoutput signal is characterized by a second number of digital bits (e.g.,where the second number of digital bits is less than the first number ofdigital bits).

In an exemplary scenario, the digital controller module 120 may comprisea digital filter that receives and processes the power supply errorsignal 115 from the error determination module 110 and outputs anintermediate power supply control signal based, at least in part, on thepower supply error signal 115. The intermediate power supply controlsignal may, for example, be characterized by a first number of digitalbits. Continuing the exemplary scenario, a digital sigma delta modulemay receive the intermediate power supply control signal from thedigital filter and process the intermediate power supply control signalto generate the power supply control signal 125. The power supplycontrol signal 125 may, for example, be characterized by a second numberof digital bits that is less than the first number of digital bits.

As mentioned previously, the digital controller module 120 may output apower supply control signal. Such a power supply control signal maycomprise any of a large variety of control signal characteristics. Forexample, the power supply control signal may be a digital signal. Thepower supply control signal may, for example and without limitation,comprise information related to the control of power supply circuitry.In an exemplary scenario, the power supply control signal may compriseinformation of a switching duty cycle with which to control power supplyswitching circuitry. In an exemplary scenario, the power supply controlsignal may comprise an index or multiplexer control signal that maycontrol selection of a particular switching control signal from a set ofpredetermined switching control signals.

In general, the digital controller module 120 may receive the powersupply error signal 115 output from the error determination module 110and digitally process the power supply error signal 115 to generate apower supply control signal 125. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of particular digital control signal processingtechniques or by characteristics of a particular power supply errorsignal 115 or power supply control signal 125.

The exemplary circuit 100 may comprise a power supply module 130. Thepower supply module 130 may, for example, output electrical power at anoutput power level (e.g., characterized by an output voltage level). Thepower supply module 130 may be communicatively coupled to the digitalcontroller module 120 and may receive the power supply control signal125 or a related signal from the digital controller module 120. Forexample and without limitation, the power supply module 130 may receivea signal indicative of the power supply control signal 125 (e.g., thepower supply control signal 125 or a signal related to the power supplycontrol signal 125) and output electrical power based, at least in part,on the signal indicative of the power supply control signal 125.

The power supply module 130 may comprise any of a variety of powersupply circuitry. For example and without limitation, the power supplymodule 130 may comprise electrical circuitry for a switching powersupply. The power supply module 130 may also comprise a module (e.g., apulse width modulation module) to control operation of the power supplycircuitry.

In an exemplary scenario where the power supply module 130 comprisesswitching power supply circuitry, the power supply module 130 maycomprise a pulse width modulation module that controls the duty cycle ofvarious power supply circuitry switches. Continuing the exemplaryscenario, the pulse width modulation module may also comprise amultiplexer from which a signal or set of signals characterized byparticular duty cycle characteristics may be selected. In such anexemplary scenario, the power supply control signal 125 may compriseinformation of such a multiplexer signal selection.

In general, the power supply module 130 may receive a signal indicativeof the power supply control signal 125 from the digital controllermodule 120 and output electrical power 135 based, at least in part, onthe signal indicative of the power supply control signal 125.Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of a particular power supplycontrol signal, particular power output signal, particular power supplycircuitry or particular power supply operating characteristics.

The power supply module 130 may provide electrical power to any ofvariety of circuits. In an exemplary configuration, the power supplymodule 130 may comprise switching power supply circuitry that controlsvoltage and/or current aspects of subsequent LCR circuit operation. Forexample, the exemplary power supply switching circuitry may drive LCRcircuitry in a buck configuration (i.e., a voltage step-downconfiguration). For example, the switches of the switching power supplycircuitry may control current flow through an inductor to apply aparticular voltage across a parallel capacitor and load. Alternativelyfor example, the exemplary power supply switching circuitry may driveLCR circuitry in a boost configuration (i.e., a voltage step-upconfiguration). Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by the existence of, or configurationof, particular LCR components.

In an exemplary circuit configuration that comprises an LCR-typecircuit, various components of the LCR circuit may be located in avariety of locations relative to the power supply integrated circuit.For example and without limitation, the LCR circuit components may belocated external to the power supply integrated circuit. Alternativelyfor example, at least a portion of the LCR circuit components may belocated within the integrated circuit power supply. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby characteristics of a particular location for LCR circuit components.

The exemplary circuit 100 may comprise a power output-monitoring module140. The power output-monitoring module 140 may, for example, becommunicatively coupled to the output of the power supply module 130 andmonitor various characteristics of the electrical power 135 output fromthe power supply module 130. The power output-monitoring module 140 may,for example, monitor the electrical power 135 output from the powersupply module 130 and output a signal indicative of the level (e.g.,voltage and/or current level) of the output electrical power 135.

The power output-monitoring module 140 may monitor characteristics ofthe output power 135 in any of a variety of manners, and accordingly,the scope of various aspects of the present invention should not belimited by characteristics of a particular manner of monitoring outputpower characteristics.

As mentioned previously, the error determination module 110 may receiveand process a signal indicative of the output power level 145, which theerror determination module 110 may receive from the poweroutput-monitoring module 140. The power output-monitoring module 140may, for example, comprise signal-scaling circuitry to scale a signalindicative of monitored output power 135 characteristics. For exampleand without limitation, the power output-monitoring module 140 may scalethe signal indicative of the output power level 135 so that such asignal bears a desired proportional relationship with the power supplyreference signal 111.

For example and without limitation, in an exemplary scenario where thepower output-monitoring module 140 monitors voltage level of the outputpower 135, the signal scaling circuitry may comprise voltage dividing oramplifying circuitry to adjust the scale of a signal indicative of themonitored voltage level.

The exemplary circuit 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 is merely anillustrative circuit shown to provide specific examples of variousgenerally broader aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby particular characteristics of the exemplary circuit 100.

FIG. 2 is a schematic diagram comprising portions of an exemplary powersupply integrated circuit 200, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent invention. The exemplary integrated circuit 200 may, for exampleand without limitation, share various characteristics with the exemplaryintegrated circuit 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously.The exemplary circuit 200 comprises an error determination module 230, adigital controller module 240, a power supply module 250 and a poweroutput-monitoring module 260.

The exemplary circuit 200 may comprise a reference signal generator 210(e.g., a Bandgap Bias generator). The reference signal generator 210may, for example, generate a power supply reference signal 211 (e.g.,1.23 V), which the reference signal generator 210 may provide to asubsequent module (e.g., the error determination module 230). Thereference signal generator 210 may also, for example, generate variousother reference signals (e.g., a reference signal to the A/D converter236). The reference signal generator 210 (e.g., the exemplary BandgapBias generator) may, for example, provide electrical currents that maydrive amplifiers or other circuitry. The reference signal generator 210may generally, for example, comprise a signal source that generatessignals having a reliable and accurate value. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of a particular reference signal generator or referencesignal.

The exemplary circuit 200 may comprise an oscillator module 220. Theoscillator module 220 may, for example, generate one or more clocksignals to be utilized by various components or modules of the exemplarycircuit 200. For example and without limitation, the oscillator module220 may generate a 128 MHz clock signal. The oscillator module 220 mayalso generate other clock signals for use by various components of theintegrated circuit 200. For example, the oscillator module 220 maygenerate a 32 MHz clock signal to be utilized by the A/D converter 236and a 2 MHz clock signal to be utilized by the PWM module 254.

The error determination module 230 may, for example and withoutlimitation, share various characteristics with the error determinationmodule 110 of the exemplary circuit 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 anddiscussed previously. The error determination module 230 may receive apower supply reference signal 211 (e.g., from the reference signalgenerator 210). The power supply reference signal 211 (or commandsignal) may comprise any of a variety of characteristics and begenerated by any of a variety of sources. The power supply referencesignal 211 may, for example and without limitation, comprise a voltageand/or current level reference. The power supply reference signal 211may generally comprise a reference signal related to any of a largevariety of electrical power characteristics. The power supply referencesignal 211 may, for example, be fixed or variable. Also for example, thepower supply reference signal 211 may be analog or digital. Further forexample, the power supply reference signal 211 may comprise an absoluteor relative reference.

The power supply reference signal 211 may, for example, be generated bya source external to the power supply integrated circuit 200 or may begenerated by a source internal to the power supply integrated circuit200. The power supply reference signal 211 may, for example, begenerated by a constant-signal generating source or may, for example, begenerated by a variable-signal generating source (e.g., based on presentoperating conditions or needs). Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of a particular power supply reference signal or sourcethereof.

The error determination module 230 may also receive a signal indicativeof output power level 275. For example, the error determination module230 may receive the signal indicative of output power level 275 from thepower output-monitoring module 270, which will be discussed in moredetail later. The signal indicative of output power level 275 may, forexample, comprise information indicative of a level of electrical power(e.g., a voltage level, current level, or other characteristics ofelectrical power) that is output from the power supply integratedcircuit 200.

The error determination module 230 may output a power supply errorsignal 235. The power supply error signal 235 may, for example, be basedat least in part on the received power supply reference signal 211 andthe signal indicative of the output power level 275.

The exemplary error determination module 230 illustrated in FIG. 2 maycomprise an integrator circuit (e.g., a Gm/C integrator circuit). Forexample, the error determination module 230 may comprise an amplifier232 with a gain (e.g., G_(m)) coupled to an analog integrator circuit234 that amplifies and integrates the difference between the powersupply reference signal 211 and the signal indicative of the outputpower level 275.

The exemplary error determination module 230 may also comprise an A/Dconverter 236 coupled to the output of the integrator circuit 234. TheA/D converter 236 may receive an analog output from the integratorcircuit 234 and convert the analog output to a digital signal (e.g.,power supply error signal 235). The exemplary A/D converter 236 may, forexample, receive a clock signal (e.g., from the oscillator module 220)and a reference voltage (e.g., from the reference signal generator 210).The exemplary error determination module 230 may then output the powersupply error signal 235.

In general, the error determination module 230 may comprise any of avariety of signal processing circuitry with which to generate the powersupply error signal 235. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects ofthe present invention should not be limited by characteristics of thesignal processing circuitry of the exemplary system 200 illustrated inFIG. 2.

The exemplary circuit 200 may comprise a digital controller module 240.The digital controller module 240 may, for example, share variouscharacteristics with the digital controller module 120 of the exemplarycircuit 100 illustrated in FIG. 1 and discussed previously.

The digital controller module 240 may, for example, be communicativelycoupled to the error determination module 230. For example, the digitalcontroller module 240 may receive the power supply error signal 235output from the error determination module 230 and digitally process thepower supply error signal 235 to generate a power supply control signal245.

The exemplary digital controller module 240 illustrated in FIG. 2 maycomprise a digital filter 242 that processes the power supply errorsignal 235 or a related signal. The digital filter 242 may, for example,comprise any of a variety of digital filters (e.g., a finite impulseresponse “FIR” filter, infinite impulse response “IIR” filter, etc.).The exemplary digital filter 242 illustrated in FIG. 2 comprises a FIRfilter that is characterized by the transfer function k₁+k₂z⁻¹+k₃z⁻²,where the k₁, k₂ and k₃ coefficients may be tuned for any of a varietyof power supply operating scenarios. Such an exemplary digital filtermay be implemented in any of a variety of manners, including software,hardware or a combination thereof. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited by the existenceof a digital filter or by characteristics of a particular type ofdigital filter.

The exemplary digital controller module 240 illustrated in FIG. 2 mayalso comprise a sigma delta module 244. The sigma delta module 244 may,for example, receive an output signal from the digital filter 242 (or arelated signal) and process the received signal to generate the powersupply control signal 245. The sigma delta module 244 may, for example,process a received signal that is characterized by a first number ofdigital bits and output an output signal (e.g., the power supply controlsignal 245) that is representative of the received signal, where theoutput signal is characterized by a second number of digital bits. Thesecond number of digital bits may be less than the first number ofdigital bits. The sigma delta module 244 may also, for example, ditherswitching control signals to cause a smoothing effect in the output of asubsequent power supply module. Such a digital sigma delta module mayalso, for example, provide for spreading the spectrum of power supplymodule switching, thereby reducing or eliminating frequency componentspikes in the output of a subsequent power supply module.

In one exemplary scenario, the sigma delta module 244 may receive a 10or 12-bit signal from the digital filter 242 and process the receivedsignal to generate a 6-bit output signal. In the exemplary scenario, the6-bit output signal may, for example and without limitation, compriseduty cycle information. Such a signal may, for example, be utilized tocontrol multiplexer circuitry to select from multiple predeterminedswitching control signals. For example, a 6-bit signal may select from64 alternative switching control signals with associated switching dutycycles.

In general, the digital controller module 240 may receive the powersupply error signal 235 output from the error determination module 230and digitally process the power supply error signal 235 to generate apower supply control signal 245. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of the exemplary digital control module 240 illustratedin FIG. 2 and discussed previously. For example, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited by particulardigital control signal processing techniques or apparatus or bycharacteristics of a particular power supply error signal 235 or powersupply control signal 245.

The exemplary circuit 200 may comprise a power supply module 250. Thepower supply module 250 may, for example and without limitation, sharevarious characteristics with the power supply module 130 illustrated inFIG. 1 and discussed previously.

The power supply module 250 may, for example, output electrical power atan output power level. The power supply module 250 may becommunicatively coupled to the digital controller module 240 and mayreceive the power supply control signal 245 or a related signal from thedigital controller module 240. For example and without limitation, thepower supply module 250 may receive a signal indicative of the powersupply control signal 245 (e.g., the power supply control signal 245 ora signal related to the power supply control signal 245) and outputelectrical power based, at least in part, on the signal indicative ofthe power supply control signal 245.

The power supply module 250 may comprise any of a variety of powersupply circuitry. In the exemplary circuit 200 illustrated in FIG. 2,the exemplary power supply module 250 may comprise switching powersupply circuitry 252. The exemplary power supply module 250 may alsocomprise a pulse width modulation module 254 to control operation of theswitching power supply circuitry 252.

In the exemplary circuit 200 illustrated in FIG. 2, the pulse widthmodulation module 254 may control the duty cycle of various switches ofthe switching power supply circuitry 252. In an exemplary scenario, thepulse width modulation module 254 may comprise a multiplexer with whicha signal or set of signals characterized by particular duty cyclecharacteristics may be selected. In such an exemplary scenario, asexplained in a previous example, the power supply control signal 245 maycomprise information related to multiplexer signal selection. Forexample, in an exemplary scenario where the pulse width modulationmodule 254 comprises a multiplexer that selects between 32 switchingpower supply control signals, each with respective duty cyclecharacteristics, the power supply control signal 245 may comprise a6-bit signal to select one of the 32 switching power supply controlsignals.

In general, the power supply module 250 may receive a signal indicativeof the power supply control signal 245 (e.g., the actual power supplycontrol signal 245) from the digital controller module 240 and outputelectrical power based, at least in part, on the signal indicative ofthe power supply control signal 245. The scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited by characteristics of theexemplary power supply module 250 illustrated in FIG. 2 and discussedpreviously. Further, the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by characteristics of a particular powersupply control signal, particular power output signal, particular powersupply circuitry or particular power supply operating characteristics.

As mentioned previously, the power supply module 250 may provideelectrical power to any of a variety of circuits, included electricalcomponents in an LCR configuration. In the exemplary configurationillustrated in FIG. 2, the power supply module 250 may compriseswitching power supply circuitry 252 that controls voltage and/orcurrent provided to subsequent circuitry. For example, the exemplarypower supply switching circuitry 252 may drive LCR circuitry 260 in abuck configuration (i.e., a voltage step-down configuration). Forexample, the switches of the switching power supply circuitry 250 maycontrol current flow through an inductor of the LCR circuitry 260 toapply a particular voltage across a parallel capacitor and load. Anexemplary transfer function of load voltage to input voltage for theexemplary LCR circuitry 260 may comprise:

-   -   V_(out)/V_(switch)=1/(s²LC+sL/R+1).

The load of the exemplary LCR circuitry 260 may, for example and withoutlimitation comprise an electrical component, circuit or plurality ofcircuits that receive electrical power from the power supply module 250of the circuit 200. The load may, for example and without limitation,comprise any of a large variety of electrical power load devices. Forexample, the load may comprise passive, active or hybrid components. Theload may, for example, comprise integrated circuitry (e.g., a signalprocessing circuit, a microprocessor, a communication circuit, a userinterface circuit, etc.). Accordingly, the scope of various aspects ofthe present invention should not be limited by characteristics of aparticular type of load.

As mentioned previously, in an exemplary circuit configuration thatcomprises an LCR-type circuit, various components of the LCR circuit maybe located in a variety of locations relative to the power supplyintegrated circuit 200. For example and without limitation, the LCRcircuit components may be located external to the power supplyintegrated circuit 200 (or power supply module 250). Alternatively forexample, at least a portion of the LCR circuit components may be locatedwithin the integrated circuit power supply 200 (or power supply module250). Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of a particular location forLCR circuit components nor by the existence or absence of suchcircuitry.

The exemplary circuit 200 may comprise a power output-monitoring module270. The power output-monitoring module 270 may, for example and withoutlimitation, share various characteristics with the poweroutput-monitoring module 140 of the exemplary circuit 100 illustrated inFIG. 1 and discussed previously.

The power output-monitoring module 270 may, for example, becommunicatively coupled to the output of the power supply module 250.Such communicative coupling may, for example and without limitation,comprise a coupling to circuitry receiving electrical power from thepower supply module 250. For example, the exemplary poweroutput-monitoring module 270 illustrated in FIG. 2 is coupled to theLoad of the LCR circuit 260. The power output-monitoring module 270 maythus monitor various characteristics of the electrical power output fromthe power supply module 250 to various electrical components. The poweroutput-monitoring module 270 may, for example, monitor the electricalpower output from the power supply module 250 and output a signalindicative of the level (e.g., voltage and/or current level) of theoutput electrical power 275.

The power output-monitoring module 270 may comprise any of a variety ofpower monitoring circuitry. For example, the power output-monitoringmodule 270 may comprise various power, current or voltage monitoringdevices. Also for example, in the exemplary circuit 200 illustrated inFIG. 2, the power output-monitoring module 270 comprises a signalscaling circuit (e.g., a voltage divider circuit). In the exemplarycircuit 200, as mentioned previously the error determination module 230receives the power supply reference signal 211 and the signal indicativeof the output power level 275. The power output-monitoring module 270scaling circuitry may scale the signal indicative of the output powerlevel 275 to a scale commensurate (or, e.g., proportionally related to)the scale of the power supply reference signal 211.

In general, the power output-monitoring module 270 may monitorcharacteristics of the power output from the power supply module 250 inany of a variety of manners, and accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of a particular manner of monitoring output powercharacteristics, particular circuitry for such monitoring, orcharacteristics of particular signal scaling circuitry.

The exemplary circuit 200 illustrated in FIG. 2 is merely anillustrative circuit shown to provide specific examples of variousgenerally broader aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby particular characteristics of the exemplary circuit 200.

The exemplary circuit 200 was presented as a non-limiting exemplaryillustration where power (e.g., voltage) control was based primarily ondifference between an output voltage and a reference voltage, andintegration was performed in the analog domain. FIG. 6 provides analternative exemplary illustration where power (e.g., voltage) controlis based primarily on current difference, and integration is performedin the digital domain.

FIG. 6 is a schematic diagram comprising portions of an exemplary powersupply integrated circuit 600, in accordance with various aspects of thepresent invention. The exemplary power supply integrated circuit 600may, for example and without limitation, share various characteristicswith the exemplary power supply integrated circuit 200 illustrated inFIG. 2 and discussed previously. The following discussion will primarilyfocus on substantial differences between the exemplary power supplyintegrated circuit 600 and the power supply integrated circuit 200 ofFIG. 2 discussed previously.

The previously discussed exemplary power supply IC 200 included a poweroutput-monitoring module 270 for detecting output voltage at point FBand scaling the detected output voltage with a voltage divider circuit.The exemplary power supply IC 600, however, includes a poweroutput-monitoring module 670 that comprises a resistor R that scalescurrent flowing through line 675 (e.g., I=(V_(FB)−V_(cm))/R). Thiscurrent may then be compared to a reference current generated by thereference signal generator 610 (e.g., I_(ref)=(V_(ref)−V_(cm))/R_(ref))to determine an indication of output voltage error (e.g.,V_(ref)−V_(FB)). Note that R may, in various non-limiting exemplaryscenarios, equal R_(ref).

Also, the previously discussed exemplary power supply IC 200 included anerror determination module 230, which included an integrator circuitthat, in the analog domain, integrated voltage error, which was thendigitized and provided to the digital control module 240. The exemplarypower supply IC 600, however, includes a common mode feedback regulator632 that controls the common mode voltage V_(cm) input to the op-amp634. The output of the op-amp 634 is digitized by the A/D converter 636and output to the digital control module 640. The digitized op-ampoutput 635 is also converted to an analog voltage by the D/A converter637 and input to the op-amp in a feedback loop. During stablesteady-state operation, the input voltage at both inputs to the op-amp635 is V_(cm).

Additionally, the previously discussed exemplary power supply IC 200included a digital control module 240 comprising a digital filter 242(e.g., an FIR filter). The digital control module 640 of the exemplarypower supply IC 600, however, includes an IIR filter 642. The IIR filter642 may, for example and without limitation, comprise characteristics ofa digital integrator (e.g., an accumulator) characterized by thetransfer function 1/(1−z⁻¹). For example, the previous exemplary powersupply IC 200 performed error integration in the analog domain in theerror determination module 230, where the exemplary power supply IC 600performs integration in the digital domain. The output of the digitalintegrator 642 is then provided to a digital sigma delta module 644,which in turn, outputs a power supply control signal 645 to the powersupply module 650.

Note that the boundary of the digital controller module 640 is drawn inFIG. 6 for convenience of comparison between the previously discussedexemplary power supply IC 200 and the exemplary power supply IC 600. Thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby any arbitrary notion of a boundary between various modules. As anon-limiting example, the digital integrator 642 may alternatively beconsidered to be part of the error determination module 630 instead ofthe digital control module 640.

The exemplary power supply module 650 and the exemplary LCR circuitry660 may, for example and without limitation, share variouscharacteristics with the power supply module 250 and LCR circuitry 260of the exemplary power supply integrated circuit 200 illustrated in FIG.2 and discussed previously.

The exemplary circuit 600 illustrated in FIG. 6 is merely anillustrative circuit shown to provide specific examples of variousgenerally broader aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby particular characteristics of the exemplary circuit 600.

FIG. 3 is a block diagram of an electrical circuit 300 comprising anexemplary power supply integrated circuit, in accordance with variousaspects of the present invention. The exemplary electrical circuit 300comprises a power supply integrated circuit 310 and an external circuit320. The exemplary circuit 300 (e.g., the exemplary power supplyintegrated circuit 310) may, for example and without limitation, sharevarious characteristics with the exemplary integrated circuits 100, 200and 600 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and 6 and discussed previously.

The external circuit 320 may, for example, comprise aspects of thepreviously discussed LCR circuitry (e.g., LCR circuitry 260 of theexemplary system 200 illustrated in FIG. 2). The external circuit 320may comprise a Load that receives electrical power from the power supplyintegrated circuit 310. As discussed previously, the Load may compriseany of a large variety of electrical Load characteristics. For exampleand without limitation, the Load may comprise any of a variety ofpassive and/or active electrical components, including but not limitedto, a signal processor, a microprocessor, a memory device, acommunication circuit, an audio/video circuit, a user interface circuit,etc. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of a particular Load circuit.

FIG. 4 illustrates an exemplary method 400 for providing electricalpower in an integrated circuit, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present invention. The exemplary method 400 may share variouscharacteristics with the functionality performed by the exemplarycircuits 100-300 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and discussed previously.

The method 400 may begin at step 410. The method 400 may begin for anyof a large variety of reasons. For example and without limitation, themethod 400 may begin in response to a user command. Also for example,the method 400 may begin executing in response to resetting or poweringup the integrated circuit. Further for example, the method 400 mayexecute in response to a request or command from a device external tothe integrated circuit or a request or command from a module within theintegrated circuit. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of thepresent invention should not be limited by causes or conditions that mayinitiate execution of the exemplary method 400.

The method 400 may, at step 420, comprise receiving a power supplyreference signal. Step 420 may, for example and without limitation sharevarious characteristics with the functionality performed by the errordetermination modules 110, 230 of the exemplary circuits 100, 200illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and discussed previously.

The power supply reference signal (or power command signal) may compriseany of a variety of characteristics and may be generated by any of avariety of sources. The power supply reference signal may, for exampleand without limitation, comprise a voltage and/or current levelreference. The power supply reference signal may generally comprise areference signal related to any of a large variety of electrical powercharacteristics. The power supply reference signal may, for example, befixed or variable. Also for example, the power supply reference signalmay be analog or digital. Further for example, the power supplyreference signal may comprise an absolute or relative reference.

The power supply reference signal may, for example, be generated by asource external to the integrated circuit or may be generated by asource internal to the integrated circuit. The power supply referencesignal may, for example, be generated by a constant-signal generatingsource or may, for example, be generated by a variable-signal generatingsource (e.g., based on present operating conditions or needs).Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of a particular power supplyreference signal or source thereof.

The method 400 may, at step 430, comprise determining the output powerlevel of the electrical power. Step 430 may, for example and withoutlimitation, share various characteristics with the functionalityperformed by the power output-monitoring modules 140, 270 of theexemplary circuits 100, 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and discussedpreviously.

For example and without limitation, step 430 may comprise monitoringvarious characteristics of electrical power output from the integratedcircuit or a module thereof. Step 430 may, for example, comprisemonitoring output power level in any of a variety of manners. Forexample step 430 may comprise monitoring the level of any of a varietyof voltage, current, energy or power characteristics. Step 430 maydetermine such level(s) in any of a large variety of known manners.Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the present inventionshould not be limited by characteristics of a particular output powerlevel or manner of determining such an output power level.

Step 430 may, for example, comprise generating a signal indicative ofthe determined output power level. Such a signal may comprise any of alarge variety of signal characteristics. For example and withoutlimitation, such a signal may be analog or digital. Step 430 may, forexample, comprise scaling the signal indicative of the determined (e.g.,measured) output power level. For example, step 430 may also comprisescaling the signal indicative of the determined output power level suchthat the scaled signal bears a desired proportional relationship withthe power supply reference signal received at step 420.

For example, step 430 may comprise scaling the signal in any of avariety of manners, including utilizing analog and/or digital signalscaling techniques or components. For example and without limitation, inan exemplary scenario where step 430 comprises monitoring voltage levelof the output power, step 430 may comprise scaling a signalrepresentative of the monitored voltage level utilizing signal scalingcircuitry, such as, for example, voltage dividing or amplifyingcircuitry to adjust the scale of a signal indicative of the monitoredvoltage level.

The method 400 may, at step 440, comprise generating a power supplyerror signal based, at least in part, on a difference between the powersupply reference signal (e.g., as received at step 420) and the outputpower level (e.g., as determined at step 430). Step 440 may, for exampleand without limitation, share various characteristics with thefunctionality performed by the error determination modules 110, 230 ofthe exemplary circuits 100, 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and discussedpreviously.

For example and without limitation, step 440 may comprise integratingthe difference between the power supply reference signal and the outputpower level. In an exemplary scenario where step 440 comprisesperforming integration, step 440 may, for example, perform suchintegration in the analog and/or digital domain.

Also for example, step 440 may comprise performing multiplication and/ordifferentiation in determining the power supply error signal. In anexemplary scenario, step 440 may comprise processing the differencebetween the power supply reference signal and the signal indicative ofoutput power level with a G_(m)/C integrator circuit. In anotherexemplary scenario, step 440 may comprise determining the power supplyerror signal utilizing PID processing of the power supply referencesignal and the output power level.

In various exemplary scenarios, step 440 may comprise processing in theanalog domain, for example, generating one or more analog signals. In anexemplary scenario, step 440 may comprise generating an analog signalfrom analog integrator circuitry. In such an exemplary scenario, step440 may comprise converting from the analog domain to the digitaldomain. For example and without limitation, step 440 may compriseutilizing an analog-to-digital converter (e.g., a flash) to effect sucha signal conversion. In such an exemplary scenario, step 440 maycomprise generating the power supply error signal in digital form.

In general, the method 400 may, at step 440, comprise generating a powersupply error signal based, at least in part, on a difference between thepower supply reference signal (e.g., as received at step 420) and theoutput power level (e.g., as determined at step 430). Accordingly, thescope of various aspects of the present invention should not be limitedby characteristics of a particular manner of generating the power supplyerror signal or by components (e.g., hardware or software) for effectingsuch a signal generation.

The method 400 may, at step 450, comprise digitally generating a powersupply control signal (e.g., based, at least in part, on the powersupply error signal generated at step 440). Step 450 may, for exampleand without limitation, share various characteristics with thefunctionality performed by the digital control modules 120, 240 of theexemplary circuits 100, 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and discussedpreviously.

Step 450 may, for example, comprise digitally processing the powersupply error signal generated at step 440 to generate the power supplycontrol signal. Performing such digital processing may, for example,comprise utilizing any of a variety of known types of digital signalprocessing. For example step 450 may comprise digitally filtering thepower supply error signal or a related signal. Such digital filteringmay be implemented in a variety of manners, including software,hardware, or a combination thereof. In an exemplary scenario, step 450may comprise digitally filtering the power supply error signal with aFIR filter (e.g., a FIR filter characterized by a transfer functionk₁+k₂z⁻¹+k₃z⁻², where the coefficients may be tuned to achieve variousscenario-dependent power supply goals).

Step 450 may also comprise processing one or more signals utilizing adigital sigma delta module. A sigma delta module may, for example,process an input signal characterized by a first number of digital bitsand output an output signal that is representative of the input signal,where the output signal is characterized by a second number of digitalbits (e.g., where the second number of digital bits is less than thefirst number of digital bits).

In an exemplary scenario, step 450 may comprise digitally filtering apower supply error signal (e.g., as generated at step 440) with a FIRfilter, which outputs an intermediate power supply control signalcharacterized by a first number of digital bits. Step 450 may then, forexample, comprise processing the intermediate power supply controlsignal using a digital sigma delta module to generate a power supplycontrol signal that is representative of the intermediate power supplycontrol signal. The power supply control signal may, for example, becharacterized by a second number of digital bits that is less than thefirst number of digital bits.

As discussed previously, step 450 may comprise generating a power supplycontrol signal. Such a power supply control signal may comprise any of alarge variety of control signal characteristics. For example, the powersupply control signal may be a digital signal. The power supply controlsignal may, for example and without limitation, comprise informationrelated to control of power supply switching circuitry. In an exemplaryscenario, the power supply control signal may comprise information of aswitching duty cycle with which to control power supply switchingcircuitry. In an exemplary scenario, the power supply control signal maycomprise an index or multiplexer control signal that may controlselection of a particular switching signal from a set of predeterminedswitching signals.

In general, step 450 may comprise digitally generating a power supplycontrol signal (e.g., based, at least in part, on the power supply errorsignal generated at step 440). Accordingly, the scope of various aspectsof the present invention should not be limited by characteristics ofparticular digital control signal processing techniques or bycharacteristics of a particular power supply error signal or powersupply control signal.

The method 400 may, at step 460, comprise outputting the electricalpower in accordance with the power supply control signal or a relatedsignal. Step 460 may, for example and without limitation, share variouscharacteristics with the functionality performed by the power supplymodules 130, 250 of the exemplary circuits 100, 200 illustrated in FIGS.1-2 and discussed previously.

For example, step 460 may comprise outputting electrical power at anoutput power level. Step 460 may, for example, comprise receiving apower supply control signal (e.g., as generated at step 450) or arelated signal and outputting the electrical power based, at least inpart, on the power supply control signal.

Step 460 may comprise utilizing any of a variety of power supplycircuits to output the electrical power. For example and withoutlimitation, step 460 may comprise utilizing switching power supplycircuitry. In such an exemplary scenario, step 460 may utilize the powersupply control signal to control switching of various devices in theswitching power supply circuitry.

In an exemplary scenario where step 460 comprises utilizing switchingpower supply circuitry, step 460 may also comprise utilizing pulse widthmodulation to control operation of the switching power supply circuitry.In an exemplary scenario, step 460 may utilize pulse width modulation tocontrol the duty cycle of various power supply circuitry switchingdevices. For example, step 460 may comprise selecting between aplurality of switching control signals representative of respective dutycycles. In one exemplary scenario, the power supply control signal maycomprise information indicating which switching control signal toselect. For example and without limitation, in an exemplary scenariowhere step 460 comprises selecting between 32 distinctive switchingcontrol signals representing respective switching duty cycles, the powersupply control signal (e.g., as generated at step 450) may comprise sixdigital bits of information to select between the 32 prospectiveswitching control signals. In one implementation, step 460 may utilizemultiplexer hardware or software to implement such a switching controlsignal selection.

In general, the method 400 may, at step 460, comprise outputting theelectrical power in accordance with a power supply control signal or arelated signal. Accordingly, the scope of various aspects of the presentinvention should not be limited by characteristics of a particular powersupply control signal, particular power output signal, particular powersupply circuitry or particular manner of operating power supplycircuitry.

Step 460 may, for example, comprise providing electrical power to any ofa large variety of electrical circuits. Such circuits (or portionsthereof) may, for example, be internal or external to the integratedcircuit. In various exemplary scenarios, step 460 may comprise utilizingpower supply switching circuitry to control voltage and/or currentprovided to LCR circuitry. For example, step 460 may comprise outputtingelectrical power to LCR circuitry in a buck configuration (i.e., avoltage step-down configuration). For example, step 460 may comprisecontrolling switches of a switching power supply circuit to controlcurrent flow through an inductor to apply a particular voltage across aparallel capacitor and load. Alternatively for example, step 460 maycomprise controlling switches of a switching power supply circuit tocontrol voltage and/or current provided to LCR circuitry in a boostconfiguration (i.e., a voltage step-up configuration).

In general, step 460 may comprise providing electrical power to any of alarge variety of electrical circuits. Accordingly, the scope of variousaspects of the present invention should not be limited by the existenceof, or configuration of, particular circuitry that step 460 may compriseutilizing to output electrical power, or particular circuitry to whichstep 460 may comprise outputting electrical power.

The exemplary method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 and discussed previouslywas presented to provide specific exemplary illustrations of generallybroader aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should by no means be limitedby characteristics of the exemplary method 400.

FIG. 5 illustrates an exemplary method 500 for providing electricalpower in an integrated circuit, in accordance with various aspects ofthe present invention. The exemplary method 500 may, for example andwithout limitation, share various characteristics with the exemplarymethod 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 and discussed previously. Further, forexample and without limitation, the exemplary method 500 may sharevarious characteristics with the functionality performed by theexemplary circuits 100-300 illustrated in FIGS. 1-3 and discussedpreviously.

The exemplary method 500 may begin at step 510. Step 510 may, forexample and without limitation, share various characteristics with step410 of the exemplary method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 and discussedpreviously.

The exemplary method 500 may, at step 520, comprise receiving a powersupply reference signal. Step 520 may, for example and withoutlimitation, share various characteristics with step 420 of the exemplarymethod 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 and discussed previously. Further forexample and without limitation, step 520 may share variouscharacteristics with the functionality performed by the errordetermination modules 110, 230 of the exemplary systems 100, 200illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and discussed previously. For example, in theexemplary method 500 illustrated in FIG. 5, step 520 comprises receivingan analog power supply reference signal.

The exemplary method 500 may, at step 530, comprise determining theoutput power level of the electrical power. Step 530 may, for exampleand without limitation, share various characteristics with step 430 ofthe exemplary method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 and discussed previously.Further for example and without limitation, step 530 may share variouscharacteristics with the functionality performed by the power supplymonitoring modules 140, 270 of the exemplary systems 100, 200illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and discussed previously. For example, in theexemplary method 500 illustrated in FIG. 5, step 530 comprisesdetermining an analog power supply output level.

Step 530 may, for example, comprise monitoring output levelcharacteristics of the output power. Step 530 may also, for example,comprise scaling a signal representative of the monitored output level.For example, step 530 may comprise utilizing a scaling circuit (e.g.,similar to the voltage divider circuit of the power output-monitoringmodule 270 illustrated in FIG. 2).

The exemplary method 500 may, at step 540, comprise generating a powersupply error signal based, at least in part, on a difference between thepower supply reference signal (e.g., as received at step 520) and theoutput power level (e.g., as determined at step 530). Step 540 may, forexample and without limitation, share various characteristics with step440 of the exemplary method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 and discussedpreviously. Further for example and without limitation, step 540 mayshare various characteristics with the functionality of the errordetermination modules 110, 230 of the exemplary circuits 100, 200illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and discussed previously.

Exemplary step 540 may, at sub-step 542, comprise determining an analogpower supply error. Sub-step 542 may, for example, comprise determininga difference between the analog power supply reference signal (e.g., asreceived at step 520) and the analog power supply output level (e.g., asdetermined at step 530).

Exemplary step 540 may, at sub-step 544, comprise integrating the analogpower supply error (e.g., as determined at sub-step 542). Sub-step 544may, for example, comprise integrating the analog power supply errorutilizing an integrator circuit (e.g., similar to the integrator circuit234 illustrated in FIG. 2). Such an integrator may, for example,comprise an analog integrator circuit that outputs an analog signalindicative of the integral of the analog power supply error.

Exemplary step 540 may, at sub-step 546, comprise digitizing theintegrated power supply error (e.g., as determined at sub-step 544). Asdiscussed previously, in an exemplary scenario, sub-step 544 maycomprise generating an analog signal indicative of integrated powersupply error. In such an exemplary error, sub-step 546 may comprisedigitizing such an analog signal. For example, sub-step 546 may compriseutilizing analog-to-digital converter hardware (e.g., similar to the A/Dconverter 236 illustrated in FIG. 2) and/or software to perform suchdigitizing.

The exemplary method 500 may, at step 550, comprise generating a powersupply control signal based, at least in part, on the power supply errorsignal (e.g., as generated at step 540). Step 550 may, for example andwithout limitation, share various characteristics with step 450 of theexemplary method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 and discussed previously.Further for example and without limitation, step 550 may share variouscharacteristics with the functionality of the digital controller modules120, 240 of the exemplary circuits 100, 200 illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 anddiscussed previously.

Exemplary step 550 may, at sub-step 552, comprise processing digitizedpower supply error (e.g., as digitized at step 546) with a digitalfilter to determine a power supply control command. For example, step550 may comprise processing the digitized power supply error with a FIRfilter (e.g., similar to the FIR filter 242 illustrated in FIG. 2). Inan exemplary scenario, such an FIR filter may be characterized by atransfer function of k₁+k₂z⁻¹+k₃z⁻². The coefficients of such a digitalfilter may be tuned to meet any of a variety of operational goals.

Exemplary step 550 may, at sub-step 554, comprise providing a powersupply control command (e.g., as determined at step 552) to a sigmadelta module. Sub-step 554 may then comprise processing the power supplycontrol command with the sigma delta module (e.g., similar to the sigmadelta module 244 illustrated in FIG. 2). In an exemplary scenario, thepower supply control command may be characterized by a first number ofdigital bits. The sigma delta module may, for example, convert the powersupply control command signal to an output power supply control commandsignal, which is characterized by a second number of digital bits thatis less than the first number of digital bits.

The exemplary method 500 may, at step 560, comprise outputtingelectrical power at an output power level in accordance with the powersupply control signal (e.g., as generated at step 550). Step 560 may,for example and without limitation, share various characteristics withstep 460 of the exemplary method 400 illustrated in FIG. 4 and discussedpreviously. Further for example and without limitation, step 560 mayshare various characteristics with the functionality performed by thepower supply modules 130, 250 of the exemplary circuits 100, 200illustrated in FIGS. 1-2 and discussed previously.

Step 560 may comprise utilizing any of a variety of power supplycircuits to output the electrical power. For example and withoutlimitation, step 560 may comprise utilizing switching power supplycircuitry. Step 560 may, for example, comprise utilizing pulse widthmodulation to control such switching power supply circuitry.

Step 560 may, at sub-step 562, comprise controlling operation of a pulsewidth modulation module (e.g., similar to the pulse width modulationmodule 254 illustrated in FIG. 2). The power supply control command(e.g., as generated at step 550) may, for example, comprise duty cycleinformation, which a pulse width modulation module may utilize todetermine the duty cycle of switching power supply circuitry commandsignals.

In an exemplary non-limiting scenario, sub-step 562 may compriseutilizing information in the power supply control command to select frombetween a finite set of duty cycles. For example, sub-step 562 mayutilize multiplexing to perform such a selection.

Step 560 may, at sub-step 564, comprise outputting electrical power. Forexample, sub-step 564 may comprise controlling switching power supplyswitches in accordance with pulse width modulation signals developed atsub-step 562. Sub-step 564 may then, for example, comprise providingpower to LCR circuitry (e.g., in a buck or boost configuration) tofurther control the electrical power output. Various components of suchexemplary LCR circuitry may be external to the integrated circuit or maybe internal to the integrated circuit. From sub-step 564, the executionof the exemplary method 500 may, for example, flow back up to step 520for continued operation.

The exemplary method 500 illustrated in FIG. 5 and discussed previouslywas presented to provide specific exemplary illustrations of generallybroader aspects of the present invention. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should by no means be limitedby characteristics of the exemplary method 500.

It should be noted that various aspects of the present invention may beperformed by hardware, a processor executing software instructions, or acombination thereof. It should also be noted that various aspects of thepresent invention may be performed by one or more electrical devices invarious degrees of circuit integration. Accordingly, the scope ofvarious aspects of the present invention should not be limited bycharacteristics of any particular implementation.

In summary, various aspects of the present invention provide anintegrated circuit and method in an integrated circuit for providingelectrical power utilizing digital power regulation. While the inventionhas been described with reference to certain aspects and embodiments, itwill be understood by those skilled in the art that various changes maybe made and equivalents may be substituted without departing from thescope of the invention. In addition, many modifications may be made toadapt a particular situation or material to the teachings of theinvention without departing from its scope. Therefore, it is intendedthat the invention not be limited to the particular embodimentdisclosed, but that the invention will include all embodiments fallingwithin the scope of the appended claims.

1. A power supply integrated circuit comprising: a first module thatoutputs electrical power at an output voltage level; a second modulethat receives a power supply reference signal and a signal indicative ofthe output voltage level and outputs a power supply error signal,wherein the power supply error signal is based, at least in part, on thedifference between the power supply reference signal and the signalindicative of the output voltage level; a third module that receives thepower supply error signal, digitally processes the power supply errorsignal, and outputs a power supply control signal that is based, atleast in part, on the digitally processed power supply error signal; anda fourth module that monitors the electrical voltage output from thefirst module and outputs the signal indicative of the output voltagelevel; wherein the first module receives the power supply control signaland outputs the electrical power based, at least in part, on the powersupply control signal; wherein the third module comprises: a digitalfilter that outputs a first signal characterized by a first number ofdigital bits; and a sigma delta module, communicatively coupled to thedigital filter, that receives the first signal and outputs a secondsignal representative of the first signal, where the second signal ischaracterized by a second number of bits that is less than the firstnumber of bits.
 2. The power supply integrated circuit of claim 1,wherein: the first module comprises a power supply module; the secondmodule comprises an error determination module; the third modulecomprises a digital controller module; and the fourth module comprises apower output-monitoring module.
 3. The power supply integrated circuitof claim 1, wherein the first module comprises a switching power supplycircuit.
 4. The power supply integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein thefirst module comprises: a switching power supply circuit; and a pulsewidth modulation module that receives a signal indicative of the powersupply control signal and controls operation of the switching powersupply circuit based, at least in part, on the signal indicative of thepower supply control signal.
 5. The power supply integrated circuit ofclaim 4, wherein the signal indicative of the power supply controlsignal comprises information of a duty cycle with which the pulse widthmodulation module is to control operation of the switching power supplycircuit.
 6. The power supply integrated circuit of claim 1, wherein thefirst module is coupled to a LCR circuit that is external to the powersupply integrated circuit, and the first module provides electricalpower to the LCR circuit.
 7. The power supply integrated circuit ofclaim 1, wherein the power supply integrated circuit comprises at leasta portion of an LCR circuit that receives electrical power output fromthe first module.
 8. The power supply integrated circuit of claim 1,wherein the second module comprises an integrator circuit, and the powersupply error signal is based, at least in part, on an output of theintegrator circuit.
 9. The power supply integrated circuit of claim 8,wherein the integrator circuit comprises an analog integrator circuit.10. The power supply integrated circuit of claim 9, wherein the secondmodule comprises an analog-to-digital converter, communicatively coupledto the analog integrator circuit, that outputs the power supply errorsignal.
 11. In an integrated circuit, a method for providing electricalpower at an output voltage level, the method comprising: receiving apower supply reference signal; monitoring the output voltage level ofthe electrical power; generating a power supply error signal based, atleast in part, on a difference between the received power supplyreference signal and the monitored output voltage level; digitallygenerating a power supply control signal based, at least in part, on thepower supply error signal; and outputting the electrical power inaccordance with the power supply control signal; wherein digitallygenerating a power supply control signal comprises digitally filteringthe power supply error signal to generate a first signal characterizedby a first number of digital bits, and sigma delta processing the firstsignal to generate a second signal representative of the first signal,the second signal characterized by a second number of bits that is lessthan the first number of bits.
 12. The method of claim 11, whereinoutputting the electrical power comprises controlling operation of aswitching power supply circuit with the power supply control signal. 13.The method of claim 11, wherein outputting the electrical powercomprises: generating a pulse width modulated signal in accordance withthe power supply control signal; and controlling switching power supplycircuitry with the pulse width modulated signal.
 14. The method of claim13, wherein the power supply control signal comprises information of aduty cycle at which the pulse width modulated signal is be generated.15. The method of claim 11, wherein outputting the electrical powercomprises providing electrical power to a LCR circuit that is externalto the integrated circuit.
 16. The method of claim 11, whereinoutputting the electrical power comprises providing electrical power toa LCR circuit, at least a portion of which is internal to the integratedcircuit.
 17. The method of claim 11, wherein generating a power supplyerror signal comprises integrating the difference between the receivedpower supply reference signal and the monitored output voltage level.18. The method of claim 17, wherein integrating the difference comprisesintegrating the difference between the received power supply referencesignal and the monitored output voltage level in the analog domain. 19.The method of claim 18, wherein generating a power supply error signalfurther comprises converting an analog domain signal indicative of theintegrated difference to a digital domain signal indicative of theintegrated difference.
 20. The method of claim 17, wherein integratingthe difference comprises integrating the difference between the receivedpower supply reference signal and the monitored output voltage level inthe digital domain.
 21. The method of claim 11, wherein digitallygenerating a power supply control signal comprises finite impulseresponse filtering the power supply error signal.
 22. The method ofclaim 21, wherein finite impulse response filtering the power supplyerror signal comprises finite impulse response filtering the powersupply error signal in accordance with the transfer functionk₁+k₂z⁻¹+k₃z⁻².
 23. The method of claim 11, wherein digitally generatinga power supply control signal comprises infinite impulse responsefiltering the power supply error signal.
 24. The method of claim 23,wherein infinite impulse response filtering the power supply errorsignal comprises infinite impulse response filtering the power supplyerror signal in accordance with the transfer function 1/(1−z⁻¹).
 25. Anelectrical circuit comprising: a first integrated circuit; and a powersupply integrated circuit that provides electrical power to the firstintegrated circuit, wherein the power supply integrated circuitcomprises: a first module that outputs electrical power at an outputvoltage level; a second module that receives a power supply referencesignal and a signal indicative of the output voltage level and outputs apower supply error signal, wherein the power supply error signal isbased, at least in part, on the difference between the power supplyreference signal and the signal indicative of the output voltage level;a third module that receives the power supply error signal, digitallyprocesses the power supply error signal, and outputs a power supplycontrol signal that is based, at least in part, on the digitallyprocessed power supply error signal; and a fourth module that monitorsthe electrical voltage output from the first module and outputs thesignal indicative of the output voltage level; wherein the first modulereceives the power supply control signal and outputs the electricalpower based, at least in part, on the power supply control signal;wherein the third module comprises: a digital filter that outputs afirst signal characterized by a first number of digital bits; and asigma delta module, communicatively coupled to the digital filter, thatreceives the first signal and outputs a second signal representative ofthe first signal, where the second signal is characterized by a secondnumber of bits that is less than the first number of bits.
 26. Theelectrical circuit of claim 25, wherein: the first module comprises apower supply module; the second module comprises an error determinationmodule; the third module comprises a digital controller module; and thefourth module comprises a power output-monitoring module.
 27. Theelectrical circuit of claim 25, wherein the first electrical circuitcomprises a signal processing circuit.
 28. The electrical circuit ofclaim 25, wherein the first electrical circuit comprises amicroprocessor.
 29. The power supply integrated circuit of claim 1,wherein the digital filter comprises an FIR filter.
 30. The power supplyintegrated circuit of claim 29, wherein the FIR filter is characterizedby the transfer function k₁+k₂z⁻¹+k₃z⁻².
 31. The power supply integratedcircuit of claim 1, wherein the digital filter comprises an IIR filter.32. The power supply integrated circuit of claim 31, wherein the IIRfilter is characterized by the transfer function 1/(1−z⁻¹).
 33. A powersupply integrated circuit comprising: at least one module adapted to, atleast: receive a power supply control signal; output electrical power atan output voltage level based, at least in part, on the received powersupply control signal; receive a power supply reference signal and asignal indicative of the output voltage level and output a power supplyerror signal, wherein the power supply error signal is based, at leastin part, on the difference between the power supply reference signal andthe signal indicative of the output voltage level; digitally process thepower supply error signal by, at least in part, digitally filtering thepower supply error signal and sigma-delta modulating the digitallyfiltered power supply error signal, and generate the power supplycontrol signal based, at least in part, on the digitally processed powersupply error signal; and monitor the output voltage level and generatethe signal indicative of the output voltage level.